
Notes from a Friar: Life Is Like Parachuting
Wise people—and hopefully they are people of faith—understand that human life is made up of situations beyond our control.
Find what you’re looking for
Wise people—and hopefully they are people of faith—understand that human life is made up of situations beyond our control.
This week we celebrate the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, who foretold of Christ’s coming, telling the people that “one mightier than I is coming.”
Saint John Neumann was the first member of his community, the Redemptorists, to profess vows in the United States. He did missionary work in Maryland, Virginia, and Ohio, and became the bishop of Philadelphia. Noted for his humility and organizational skills, he helped form the Church in the New World.
The signs accompanying the events of Jesus’ baptism ought to tip us off that something important is happening here. The heavens opening, the voice of the Father commending his “beloved Son” to us, and the presence of the Holy Spirit, all point to a moment of revelation.
There is plenty for us to be afraid of, but Jesus encourages us to trust in his power. He who can walk fearlessly over the waves of a storm can also look after us.
I hope we never forget to begin, again and again. To know, no matter what, that we are walking in love and beauty when we seek.
Through Elizabeth Ann Seton, we see poignantly the motherly face of God. As St. Anselm wrote, “Christ my mother, you gather your chickens under your wings.”
Convert, wife, mother, widow, teacher, religious─Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton did it all. Yet, in many ways, she was an ordinary woman of her time who lived life in an extraordinary way.
Care, community, and nourishment will be a regular part of Jesus’ ministry. They are, as it were, his trademarks.
What new possibilities are emerging in your life? How might they challenge you to new behaviors and priorities?
28 W. Liberty Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-241-5615
info@franciscanmedia.org
Customer Service:
cservice@franciscanmedia.org
Technical Questions:
support@franciscanmedia.org
Writer’s Guidelines
Privacy Policy
Post a Prayer Request
Webmaster Login